Exciting adventures in Larissa

There are many exciting adventures that you can take part in while you are in Larissa. Everything from a leisurely walk in the woods, to a difficult mountain bike ride across rugged terrain. You never have to be bored when you are in the Larissa Prefecture.

Rafting

The Pinios River that runs through Larissa is very long and full of variety. You can choose rafting adventures that will make strong men tremble in fear, Or you can choose a slow gentle ride suitable for your great grandmother. Most rafting trips take about two hours and are not only exciting, but also they give you a chance to see some of the most amazing nature that Greece has to offer.

If white water rafting is not exciting enough for you, then you should try inflatable Kayaking. It's similar to White Water Rafting, but it's faster and wetter

Canyoning

I actually had to ask what "Canyoning" was. And I was pleasantly surprised when I found out. Canyoning, it turns out is a combination of hiking, and rappelling. Well, to be more exact, Canyoning is the act of crossing a canyon. But most of the downhill sections are more than steep, they are cliffs. So you don't hike them, you put on a special harness and you lower yourself down using a rope.

Most of these adventures take about 5 to 10 hours and include multiple rappels. I would normally take this time to tell you about the fantastic nature you will be seeing when you go there. But I feel that it's too obvious.

Hiking

Most trips take about five hours, but some are up to nine hours. Hiking in the mountains of Larissa prefecture is like taking a walking tour through some of the most worthwhile places that nature has to offer. You simply cannot see things like this by driving past them in your car. You actually have to walk there.

Horseback and Mule Riding

This is almost identical to the hiking trips that are available. But instead of moving with your own feet, you simply sit on a horse or a mule and you let it take you wherever you want to go.

Rock Climbing

As the name suggests. For those of us that enjoyed being on the monkey bars as a child, well now you can (with the proper equipment) travel up the side of a cliff and pretend you are on one of those expeditions to the top of Mt. Olympos. Or is it for real? And if Mt. Olympos is too much of a challeng for you, there are dozens of smaller less challenging rocks to climb.

Mountain Biking

For those of you who purchase a Mountain Bike and only ride it in the city. Don't you think it's time to experience the real thing. A variety of routes available at a variety of levels, Everything from "grandmother" to "suicide", That's not what they call them of course, it's what I call them.

For more information about any of the above, Or to plan your Larissa Adventure, Contact:

Olympos Trek
tel/fax +30 2410 921244
Cell phone +30 693 2254 5001
e-mail oltrek@otenet.gr
or visit www.olympostrek.gr

Skiing

Imagine skiing down the most famous mountain in Greece. In the company of the ancient gods. I am talking about Olympos, the most famous mountain in Greece. No trip to Greece in the winter is complete without this amazing experience.

Price = Free,

That's right. It costs nothing to ski with the gods. But you do need to make some preparations.

The Olympos Mountain Ski Center is located inside a military base that the Greek Military uses to train the Special Forces that specialize in fighting and surviving in winter conditions.

Since it's inside a military base, you are not allowed to take pictures. And the only way you will be allowed in is if you have obtained permission from the Greek Military first.

Olympos Mountain Ski Center is located about 42 km. from Elassona. The last 12 kilometers are over a dirt-road with many pot holes and obstacles. I made it there in my Seat Ibiza, but looking back, I think the gods helped me out. Every other vehicle there was a jeep or a 4X4.

You will need to walk about 20 minutes to go from the parking lot to the lifts. Skiing there is free, there are 2 lifts, three runs (one small and two that are about 2 km each). There is a Cafeteria there, the prices are lower than any other place I have ever been to. There is also a hostel where you can stay for free (as long as you have gotten the required permission in advance).

This ski center is only open to the public on weekends because five days per week it's used for military training.

All in all, this is something that you must experience. But remember, this is a military base for the Special Forces. So don't expect to be pampered like you would be in a five star hotel.

Summary of Ski Hill information:

Vryssopoules Ski Center - Olympos
Ski Center
40200 OLYMPOS , ELASSONA , GREECE
Tel.: +30 24930 62163
Fax: +30 24930 62163
Mountain: Olympos
Altitude: 2000 m. up to 2450 m.


To obtain permission to ski and to stay overnight,
Contact

Hellenic Army General Staff
Governmental Service
Papagou Military Camp 15500 CHOLARGOS , ATTIKI , GREECE
Tel.: +30 210 6555911
Fax: +30 210 6457517, 6520801
E-mail: ektyega@army.gr